Code of Practice for Patient Complaints

In this practice we take complaints very seriously indeed and try to ensure that all our patients are pleased with their experience of our service.  When patients complain, they are dealt with courteously and promptly so that the matter is resolved as quickly as possible.  This procedure is based on these objectives.

Our aim is to react to complaints in the way in which we would want our complaint about a service to be handled.  We learn from every mistake that we make and we respond to customers’ concerns in a caring and sensitive way.

1. The person responsible for dealing with any complaint about the service which we provide is the Practice Manager.
2. If a patient complains on the telephone or in person, we will listen to their complaint and offer to refer him or her to the practice manager immediately. If the practice manager is not available at the time, then the patient will be informed when they will be able to talk to the practice manager and arrangements will be made for this to happen. The member of staff will take brief details of the complaint and pass them on to the practice Manager. If we cannot arrange this within a reasonable period or if the patient does not wish to wait to discuss the matter, arrangements will be made for someone else to deal with it.
3. If the patient complains in writing or by email, it will be passed on immediately to the Practice Manager.
4. If a complaint is about any aspect of clinical care or associated charges it will always be referred to the dentist concerned in order for the dentist to provide a full and comprehensive response.
5. We will acknowledge the patient’s complaint in writing and enclose a copy of this code of practice within three working days.
6. We will seek to investigate the complaint within twenty eight days of receipt to give an explanation of the circumstances which led to the complaint. If we are unable to investigate the complaint within twenty eight days we will notify the patient, giving reasons for the delay and a likely period within which the investigation will be completed.
7. We will confirm the decision about the complaint in writing immediately after completing our investigation.
8. Proper and comprehensive records are kept of any complaint received as well as any actions taken to improve services as a consequence of a complaint.
9. If patients are not satisfied with the result of our procedure then a complaint may be made to:

• For private dental treatment, you can contact the GDC private dental complaints service within 12 months of the treatment or within 12 months of becoming aware of the issue by calling 020 8253 0800 or visiting www.dentalcomplaints.org.uk
• The General Dental Council is responsible for regulating all dental professionals. You can complain using their online form at www.gdc-uk.org contact them on [email protected] or by calling 020 7167 6000